Two Hurst netball teams progress in national competition

Three Hurst netball teams participated in the Sussex round of the tournament, with two progressing to the next round after excellent wins at the University of Brighton in Falmer.

The Hurst Under-14A team won their class after playing well against good opposition at both the attacking and defensive ends.

Many of these players have made the transition from the Prep school and have been joined by new players in the Senior School.

Head of netball at Hurst, Bex Jutson, said: “The Under-14s proved themselves to be the stars of the day.

“They showed their true class and I am particularly proud of this team because before this term they haven’t played competitively alongside each other.

“The competition for places in this Championship has been intense and our girls proved that they are serious contenders.”

Hurst’s First VII team played in the Under-19 category and began as a strong side.

They won five of their six matches and their superior goal difference placed them in first.

The team qualify for the regional round and placed as the top seed for Sussex.

The Under-16 competition was highly competitive, with the teams separated into two pools.

After winning all but one of their games, which they drew, Hurst went into the semi-finals.

The match was a high-intensity affair, with the ball moving from end to end. Unfortunately, Hurst narrowly missed the victory by one goal.

Bex Jutson said, “Last year our First Team made it to the final and were ranked seventh in the country.

“This year our teams showed great commitment and dedication, taking time to train with their coaches after school despite their official season not beginning until after Christmas.

“In the competition, they showed determination and set the pace for an exciting and strong season ahead. They were a credit to Hurst.”

The regional round of the Netball National Schools Competition takes place on Monday, January 30 at Wavell School in Farnborough.